Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center chancellor, is advocate for transforming higher education, academic medicine and health care.
UNMC leaders are creating a more vibrant academic health science center and a stronger economy for all Nebraskans.
UNMC creates an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion for all our faculty, staff and students.
UNMC, we work from core values to achieve our strategic goals and vision for transforming the health of Nebraska and beyond.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center has campuses across Nebraska, bonded through a shared culture and in real time, by distance-learning technology.
The UNMC Department of Public Safety works to provide a safe environment for those who work on, learn at and visit our campuses, as well as lost and found.
Maps and directions to the University of Nebraska Medical Center campuses.
Find a quick overview of numbers and key information about UNMC.
As the only public academic health science center in the state, so we embrace the responsibility to reach out across Nebraska and beyond.
UNMC's work extends to each region of Nebraska, as we bring the latest breakthroughs to all citizens, from the smallest communities to the largest cities.
UNMC's innovative educational engagement programs raise awareness as we help shape the future of health care and recruit the future health care workforce
The Healing Arts program at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine aims to transform the health care experience by connecting people with the power of art.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center uses a strategic planning process to adjust strategies each year for achieving eight goals.
Procurement processes for bids and vendors, the Central Scheduling Office and other services at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
UNMC has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913.
Find resources for following state and national proposals, advocating for UNMC and Joining the UNMC Delegates program.
UNMC offers the full range of academic health sciences programs through its 6 colleges, 2 degree-granting institutes and Graduate Studies.
With a goal to educate physicians in a high quality environment, we offer nearly 70 residency and fellowship programs and train more than 600 house officers.
UNMC continuing education is raising the skill level and knowledge among Nebraska's health care professionals, improving patient outcomes and community health.
Our pathway programs for high school and undergraduate students offer the opportunity to work toward health care careers.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center offers six colleges, two degree-granting institutes and graduate studies.
With nearly 40 academic departments UNMC and its experienced faculty are committed to training the best and brightest health care professionals.
The modern and renovated Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library offers light-filled spaces and deep information resources.
Our online certificate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral programs enable health care professionals to earn advanced degrees while continuing to work.
UNMC values well-rounded individuals, and our admissions team reviews your application carefully. We offer a variety of financial aid options.
There's more to life at UNMC than the academic experience. Whether you want to socialize, exercise or become a leader — we've got you covered.
Our calendar includes dates and events for our 6 colleges and Graduate Studies.
At UNMC, next-generation technology is moving students and faculty from the classroom to an experiential environment.
The Office of Academic Affairs is responsible for enriching the academic experiences of students and faculty at UNMC.
There's more to life at UNMC than the academic experience. Whether you want to socialize, exercise or become a leader — we've got you covered.
The catalog provides curricular requirements, course descriptions, policies and current information for the academic year.
Learn about clinical trials, and how you can participate, through the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The Nebraska Biobank is speeding research through the use of leftover blood samples from patients who choose to take part.
Support the research conducted at UNMC to help those who have cancer, heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer's and other diseases.
UNMC's Distinguished Scientists are the best and brightest from all over the world, working to discover treatments and cures for life-threatening diseases
The Office of Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR) provides resources for researchers.
UNMC faculty provide the best care for people from all over Nebraska, thanks to strong partnerships with hospitals and other clinical organizations.
Our Health Sciences Library offers services to help Nebraska residents or patients receiving health care in Nebraska research health questions and topics.
Learn about clinical trials, and how you can participate, through the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
How medical information about you may be used and how to get access to this information.
The privacy and security of health information is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
University of Nebraska news archives
Connect magazine and UNMC Today display UNMC's global impact through writing, photography and design.
Stay updated on a range of topics at UNMC through our blogs.
The Department of Strategic Communications works to tell the story of UNMC's impact on Nebraska and the world.
Need a source for a deadline story? Seeking b-roll or photographs of our newsmakers? Want to connect on social? Our team can help.
University of Nebraska news releases
Our press kits provide a single stop for media seeking digital assets related to major events at UNMC.
University of Nebraska Medical Center In The News
Search our calendar for virtual and in-person UNMC events.
Planning a wedding or a conference? Host your next event at the Dr. Stanley M. and Dorothy Truhlsen Campus Events Center.
As the only public academic health science center in the state, so we embrace the responsibility to reach out across Nebraska and beyond.
Eric Carnes, PhD
It’s not unusual for academic researchers to explore and test an array of different programs and work environments before finding where they fit best. The career of Eric Carnes, PhD, associate professor of environmental, agricultural and occupational health at UNMC, is no exception.
As a young man, he nearly attended a naval academy but pivoted at the last minute to study for a degree in chemical engineering. As he neared the end of his bachelor’s degree, something shook the foundations of America and his career — the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
“After 9/11, of course, the country froze and, with it, the economy,” he explained.
Along with millions of other Americans, he found that employment opportunities were slim while the nation tried to recover.
So, he pivoted again, deciding his best option was engineering graduate school, with an eye toward medical school. His pre-med courses were mostly biology and biochemistry — and there he found a path that felt right.
In 2001, biomaterials and bioengineering weren’t established fields of study, but one of his professors was beginning work in those areas. The soon-to-be Dr. Carnes devoured every available bit of information he could and graduated with a doctorate in chemical engineering.
During his studies, Dr. Carnes contributed to a project involving the development of artificial cells.
“We wanted to make these cells do all this stuff — we were Frankensteining parts of different cells together,” he said. “How great is that? I felt really lucky to be on the cutting edge of science, doing something critically needed to keep people healthy.”
The research eventually developed commercial potential as a delivery tool for cancer treatment, which was gratifying in terms of helping patients but brought challenges as the product was commercialized.
“The focus switched to the commercial side, and I missed the science,” he said. “I realized, to be happy I needed to be working toward a research mission.”
So, another career pivot led him to Sandia National Laboratories to work on defense projects, where he did indeed find an important mission — pharmaceuticals for such horrifying diseases that everyone hoped they would never be used.
Then, he heard about the University of Nebraska System and its new University Affiliated Research Center, the National Strategic Research Institute, which was designated by the Department of Defense and sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command in 2012. He soon joined UNMC and began leading and contributing to projects through NSRI. He was named to the inaugural cohort of NSRI Fellows in 2021.
“My work for the institute, in combination with being at this great university, allows me to have everything I wanted — control over what I was working on and products we can put into people’s hands,” Dr. Carnes said.
Dillon Cunningham, NSRI research director for biological defense programs, has worked with Dr. Carnes for more than a decade.
“The strategic pairing between the university and NSRI creates natural engagement points with highly technical staff such as Dr. Carnes,” Cunningham said. “These engagement points help ensure the DOD retains academic relevance on topics critical to national defense while facilitating development and academic exploration opportunities needed to house these technical staff in the first place.
“Dr. Carnes’ expertise in drug delivery makes him an ideal strategic resource in many efforts.”
Working in academia gives Dr. Carnes the opportunity to pursue another passion as well — developing the next generation of researchers.
“Many of the things I’m most excited to see won’t come to fruition in my lifetime,” he said. “My goal has been to develop people who can carry out these projects to their greatest potential.”
UNMC is a teaching university, and NSRI aims to support students however it can.
“The institute gives us many unique options for working with students,” Dr. Carnes said. “We can get interns through the undergrad program, for example, or choose graduate assistants to join our projects.”
He appreciates the real-world exposure NSRI offers to both professors and students. NSRI serves as a highly experienced and engaged champion for NU capabilities and connects solutions to DOD challenges.
“I don’t want my research to just end up in the literature where someone will come across it in 20 years,” Dr. Carnes said. “I need to be out there doing and making things. I want to push to get products out the door and into people’s hands, so I feel like we really did something.”
Share
Through the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska, leading scientists deliver innovative national security research, technology, product and strategy development, training and exercises, and subject matter expertise to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
One of only 14 DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Centers in the country, NSRI is sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command and works to ensure the United States’ safety and preparedness against increasingly sophisticated threats.
Read about NSRI’s mission.
© 2023 University of Nebraska Medical Center
source
UNMC leaders are creating a more vibrant academic health science center and a stronger economy for all Nebraskans.
UNMC creates an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion for all our faculty, staff and students.
UNMC, we work from core values to achieve our strategic goals and vision for transforming the health of Nebraska and beyond.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center has campuses across Nebraska, bonded through a shared culture and in real time, by distance-learning technology.
The UNMC Department of Public Safety works to provide a safe environment for those who work on, learn at and visit our campuses, as well as lost and found.
Maps and directions to the University of Nebraska Medical Center campuses.
Find a quick overview of numbers and key information about UNMC.
As the only public academic health science center in the state, so we embrace the responsibility to reach out across Nebraska and beyond.
UNMC's work extends to each region of Nebraska, as we bring the latest breakthroughs to all citizens, from the smallest communities to the largest cities.
UNMC's innovative educational engagement programs raise awareness as we help shape the future of health care and recruit the future health care workforce
The Healing Arts program at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine aims to transform the health care experience by connecting people with the power of art.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center uses a strategic planning process to adjust strategies each year for achieving eight goals.
Procurement processes for bids and vendors, the Central Scheduling Office and other services at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
UNMC has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913.
Find resources for following state and national proposals, advocating for UNMC and Joining the UNMC Delegates program.
UNMC offers the full range of academic health sciences programs through its 6 colleges, 2 degree-granting institutes and Graduate Studies.
With a goal to educate physicians in a high quality environment, we offer nearly 70 residency and fellowship programs and train more than 600 house officers.
UNMC continuing education is raising the skill level and knowledge among Nebraska's health care professionals, improving patient outcomes and community health.
Our pathway programs for high school and undergraduate students offer the opportunity to work toward health care careers.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center offers six colleges, two degree-granting institutes and graduate studies.
With nearly 40 academic departments UNMC and its experienced faculty are committed to training the best and brightest health care professionals.
The modern and renovated Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library offers light-filled spaces and deep information resources.
Our online certificate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral programs enable health care professionals to earn advanced degrees while continuing to work.
UNMC values well-rounded individuals, and our admissions team reviews your application carefully. We offer a variety of financial aid options.
There's more to life at UNMC than the academic experience. Whether you want to socialize, exercise or become a leader — we've got you covered.
Our calendar includes dates and events for our 6 colleges and Graduate Studies.
At UNMC, next-generation technology is moving students and faculty from the classroom to an experiential environment.
The Office of Academic Affairs is responsible for enriching the academic experiences of students and faculty at UNMC.
There's more to life at UNMC than the academic experience. Whether you want to socialize, exercise or become a leader — we've got you covered.
The catalog provides curricular requirements, course descriptions, policies and current information for the academic year.
Learn about clinical trials, and how you can participate, through the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The Nebraska Biobank is speeding research through the use of leftover blood samples from patients who choose to take part.
Support the research conducted at UNMC to help those who have cancer, heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer's and other diseases.
UNMC's Distinguished Scientists are the best and brightest from all over the world, working to discover treatments and cures for life-threatening diseases
The Office of Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR) provides resources for researchers.
UNMC faculty provide the best care for people from all over Nebraska, thanks to strong partnerships with hospitals and other clinical organizations.
Our Health Sciences Library offers services to help Nebraska residents or patients receiving health care in Nebraska research health questions and topics.
Learn about clinical trials, and how you can participate, through the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
How medical information about you may be used and how to get access to this information.
The privacy and security of health information is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
University of Nebraska news archives
Connect magazine and UNMC Today display UNMC's global impact through writing, photography and design.
Stay updated on a range of topics at UNMC through our blogs.
The Department of Strategic Communications works to tell the story of UNMC's impact on Nebraska and the world.
Need a source for a deadline story? Seeking b-roll or photographs of our newsmakers? Want to connect on social? Our team can help.
University of Nebraska news releases
Our press kits provide a single stop for media seeking digital assets related to major events at UNMC.
University of Nebraska Medical Center In The News
Search our calendar for virtual and in-person UNMC events.
Planning a wedding or a conference? Host your next event at the Dr. Stanley M. and Dorothy Truhlsen Campus Events Center.
As the only public academic health science center in the state, so we embrace the responsibility to reach out across Nebraska and beyond.
Eric Carnes, PhD
It’s not unusual for academic researchers to explore and test an array of different programs and work environments before finding where they fit best. The career of Eric Carnes, PhD, associate professor of environmental, agricultural and occupational health at UNMC, is no exception.
As a young man, he nearly attended a naval academy but pivoted at the last minute to study for a degree in chemical engineering. As he neared the end of his bachelor’s degree, something shook the foundations of America and his career — the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
“After 9/11, of course, the country froze and, with it, the economy,” he explained.
Along with millions of other Americans, he found that employment opportunities were slim while the nation tried to recover.
So, he pivoted again, deciding his best option was engineering graduate school, with an eye toward medical school. His pre-med courses were mostly biology and biochemistry — and there he found a path that felt right.
In 2001, biomaterials and bioengineering weren’t established fields of study, but one of his professors was beginning work in those areas. The soon-to-be Dr. Carnes devoured every available bit of information he could and graduated with a doctorate in chemical engineering.
During his studies, Dr. Carnes contributed to a project involving the development of artificial cells.
“We wanted to make these cells do all this stuff — we were Frankensteining parts of different cells together,” he said. “How great is that? I felt really lucky to be on the cutting edge of science, doing something critically needed to keep people healthy.”
The research eventually developed commercial potential as a delivery tool for cancer treatment, which was gratifying in terms of helping patients but brought challenges as the product was commercialized.
“The focus switched to the commercial side, and I missed the science,” he said. “I realized, to be happy I needed to be working toward a research mission.”
So, another career pivot led him to Sandia National Laboratories to work on defense projects, where he did indeed find an important mission — pharmaceuticals for such horrifying diseases that everyone hoped they would never be used.
Then, he heard about the University of Nebraska System and its new University Affiliated Research Center, the National Strategic Research Institute, which was designated by the Department of Defense and sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command in 2012. He soon joined UNMC and began leading and contributing to projects through NSRI. He was named to the inaugural cohort of NSRI Fellows in 2021.
“My work for the institute, in combination with being at this great university, allows me to have everything I wanted — control over what I was working on and products we can put into people’s hands,” Dr. Carnes said.
Dillon Cunningham, NSRI research director for biological defense programs, has worked with Dr. Carnes for more than a decade.
“The strategic pairing between the university and NSRI creates natural engagement points with highly technical staff such as Dr. Carnes,” Cunningham said. “These engagement points help ensure the DOD retains academic relevance on topics critical to national defense while facilitating development and academic exploration opportunities needed to house these technical staff in the first place.
“Dr. Carnes’ expertise in drug delivery makes him an ideal strategic resource in many efforts.”
Working in academia gives Dr. Carnes the opportunity to pursue another passion as well — developing the next generation of researchers.
“Many of the things I’m most excited to see won’t come to fruition in my lifetime,” he said. “My goal has been to develop people who can carry out these projects to their greatest potential.”
UNMC is a teaching university, and NSRI aims to support students however it can.
“The institute gives us many unique options for working with students,” Dr. Carnes said. “We can get interns through the undergrad program, for example, or choose graduate assistants to join our projects.”
He appreciates the real-world exposure NSRI offers to both professors and students. NSRI serves as a highly experienced and engaged champion for NU capabilities and connects solutions to DOD challenges.
“I don’t want my research to just end up in the literature where someone will come across it in 20 years,” Dr. Carnes said. “I need to be out there doing and making things. I want to push to get products out the door and into people’s hands, so I feel like we really did something.”
Share
Through the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska, leading scientists deliver innovative national security research, technology, product and strategy development, training and exercises, and subject matter expertise to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
One of only 14 DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Centers in the country, NSRI is sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command and works to ensure the United States’ safety and preparedness against increasingly sophisticated threats.
Read about NSRI’s mission.
© 2023 University of Nebraska Medical Center
source
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